Do Dogs Like Hugs? The Science Says Not Really.

Let’s say a toddler runs over to a big fluffy dog and throws their arms around them. While the dog may look like an oversized teddy bear, a surprised dog’s reaction can be extreme.

A stressed, surprised or frightened dog experiences a massive shot of adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These are the fight-or-flight hormones. They put the dog into survival mode to either flee from the threat or fight back.

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OK, what if a dog feels threatened by the child but is held so tight they can’t wriggle free? What happens next?

If the dog is good-natured, then nothing may happen — except the dog feels miserable.

However, there’s a chance instinct clicks in. The dog unable to escape turns to fight and bites the child to make the hugging stop.

Dogs’ body postures can tell you a lot about their current mood — for instance, whether they’re feeling threatened. Photo: freegr

Why Children Shouldn’t Hug Dogs

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — as a sponsor of Dog Bite Prevention Week1 — advises against children hugging dogs.

Because children are small, hugging puts them close to the dog’s mouth. Therefore, hug-related bites are often to the child’s face.

What’s more, hugging an unwilling dog puts the dog under stress. Think of the last time you were forced to stay somewhere you didn’t want to be. How did that make you feel?

With a stressed dog unable to escape the hugger’s arms, their next action might be to bite.

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Another argument against hugging is what happens in a pack situation. OK, so this takes some imagination — when was the last time you saw a pack of Cockapoos in the wild? — but you get the point.

Take a pack of wild dogs, for example:

Danger threatens, and they huddle together. Shoulder to shoulder, safety in numbers.

The pressure of another dog pressed into against their flanks (a “hug”) is a signal there’s danger around.

This gets the fight-or-flight reflex kicking in, placing the dogs on high alert.

So when we hug a dog and hold them tight, the pressure against their body can send the wrong message. In some cases, instead of reassuring the dog, it’s like hanging out a flashing neon light that screams, “DANGER!”

This presses a lot of buttons for me as a veterinarian.

It’s common to have a small dog clutched tight to the bosom of a “comforting” client. That little dog then snarls and snaps.

This is hardly surprising, because the little dog has picked up on the person’s anxiety, and the hug sends a “DANGER!” message. Of course the dog is going to be wary.

What do you see in most of these pictures above: love, dislike or ambivalence?

6 Tips for Hugging Your Dog the Right Way

So does this mean you should not hug your hound?

Not ever?

Actually, no — but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it.

Above all, you want the dog to be happy. There’s no point in giving a selfish hug that you enjoy but the dog hates.

Make sure your dog is happy by following these 6 tips:

1. Get the dog used to being touched.

Touch a part of their body that’s not controversial, such as stroking along their back.

Then praise them for being so brave, and reward them with a treat. This helps the dog associate touch with nice things.

2. Now gradually extend the areas you touch.

Slide your hand down a leg slightly, then praise and reward. This is also a great technique for teaching foot-phobic dogs to have their paws touched.

3. Avoid forcing the dog into a situation they’re unhappy with.

Take things slow and steady so that you don’t overwhelm the dog with affection.

4. Keep hugs short.

Less is more. Give the dog the option to leave while they’re still happy.

5. Be aware that dogs are individuals.

Some dogs may enjoy a hug and a snuggle, and others? Not so much.

Try to give them a choice of whether they walk away or participate.

6. Reading the individual dog is key to happy hugs.

Don’t overlook the context of the cuddle. For example, your dog may be happy to snuggle while watching TV in the evening, but they wriggle and squirm when it’s time for supper. Don’t push a point and force the dog to stay still, or this could backfire with a bite.

Don’t Send the Wrong Message by Hugging Your Dog

Also, be mindful of the dog’s state of mind when you move in for a hug.

The dog with a fireworks phobia may be more stressed rather than comforted by a cuddle on July Fourth. If the dog genuinely takes comfort in an embrace, then fine, but it may be more appropriate to let them hide away until the noise goes away.

If you persist in hugging during a fireworks display, you might accidentally teach the wrong lesson: Even if a dog likes hugs, they may look on this as a reward for fearful behavior.

This accidentally reinforces the wrong message — that they’re right to be afraid.

It’s best to tell children not to hug dogs, even if they know the dogs. Photo: Candiix

Hugging and a Dog’s Heart Rate

Does your dog like hugs and cuddles?

If so, great! Don’t change a thing. You know the dog, and they know you.

You probably subconsciously read their body language and understand when they want the attention.

A great study from the 1970s sums things up nicely: Erik Zimen, an expert on wolf behavior, turned his attention to dogs. In a neat project, Zimen scored the physical appearance of dogs (such as ear position, tail and lips) when the dogs were being hugged. He also measured the dogs’ respiratory and heart rates.

What happens when we’re fearful? Our heart rate shoots up. And when anxious? We breathe more quickly in preparation to run away.

So if dogs don’t like being hugged, those dropped ears and whites of the eyes should be backed up by a racing heart rate and fast respiration.

Zimen found what we instinctively knew all along:

When you know the dog and the dog knows you, their heart and respiratory rate go down as they relax into your embrace.

As for a hug from a stranger: The dog initially shows a stress heart rate, but they soon start to relax and the heart and respiratory rate fall down.

Think about it: If a stranger came barreling up to you in the street and wrapped you in a suffocating embrace, you’d be pretty freaked out, too.

Likewise, it can be the same for a dog when an unfamiliar child cuddles them too tight.

Here are some more tips for children to stay safe around dogs:

Hugging Your Dog? Use Common Sense.

In short, judge hugs on an individual basis.

When you know the dog and they know you, especially when they’re pleasantly tired, then a hug is a lovely thing.

However, if you don’t know the dog or your pet is focused on food or wanting a walk rather than love, then think twice before trying to hug the dog or cuddle them.

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.